Overview
Baby bouncers are shaped much like a chair. Your baby sits in a padded seat that supports and holds your child. The upright tilt of the chair allows your baby to view you and his surroundings. Bouncers are recommended for babies three to five months and older. Generally at this age, your child should be able to hold up his head on his own. Bouncers can be used up to a certain weight limit--generally it is 25 pounds. Some bouncers vibrate, play music or have toy attachments. The vibrating bouncing seats can lull babies to sleep. Non-vibrating chairs move on their own as your baby kicks and waves his arms and legs. Toy attachments provide stimulation as well, but are certainly not needed.
Another type of bouncer is the doorway jumper. A padded fabric seat, much like a diaper, is suspended from elastic springs that attach to a doorway. The child's feet should barely touch the floor giving the child the opportunity to jump up and down. This can build leg muscles and provide entertainment too. Close supervision is recommended so your child does not bounce or hit his head into the door or door frame.
What to Look for
What to Look For
If possible, try out a friend's bouncer or jumper with your baby in it. Some babies prefer one to the other. Both serve the purpose of providing a place to put baby while giving yourself a rest and at the same time providing entertainment for the baby. Evaluate if you need both kinds of bouncers.
Or try out the bouncer models at the store. Press down on the bouncer--it should not tip easily. The base should be larger than the chair itself to provide stability. It is helpful if the padding is washable, for easier mess cleanup.
Your baby will use the bouncer to roughly age six months or until he reaches the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If money is a factor, consider spending less on a product that has such a short span of use. Also, keep in mind that the more accessories the bouncer has, the more you will pay for it.
Common Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls
According to "Parenting" magazine, 1,900 injuries a year result from baby bouncers. Placing the bouncer on an elevated surface can be dangerous because the continual movement of the bouncer can cause it to vibrate right off the surface. Close supervision is necessary.
Also, picking up the bouncer by the toy bar is unsafe when the baby is in it. The toy bar can break in mid-lift, causing the baby to fall. Always pick up the bouncer with both hands.
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